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She sipped her iced tea slowly before making eye contact. “I took a hike down by Adam’s Falls this morning.”
“Anything interesting?”
“No. I had some grim thoughts on how easy it would be to dispose of a body there, but I didn’t find anything that would raise actual suspicion or give me cause to investigate further.”
“The morbid thoughts make sense. Sometimes beautiful places hide grave secrets.”
“Hickory Run was a testament to that, huh?”
“That it was.” He cleared his throat. “Listen, I was hoping we could talk about why I never used your number before.”
Heat flooded her face. This wasn’t a topic she was comfortable broaching. “I thought this was a working meal. Aren’t we supposed to be talking about the case?”
“Not until we clear the air.”
“Fine. Let’s hear it, then.” She chewed on her pinkie finger’s cuticle, until she realized what she was doing and forced her hands back down to the table.
“The reason I didn’t call was because I was dating Sandra. We were keeping it on the down low, so she wouldn’t be treated differently because of her relationship with the boss. I’d even purchased a ring.”
“Then why did you flirt with me?”
“I don’t know. You were sweet and cute, and I liked how it drove her crazy when other girls paid attention to me. Petty, I know, but that’s the truth.”
“Wait.” A chill crept up her spine. “She was killed on that case. Protecting Emily.”
“She was.”
Reaching across the table she placed a hand over his. “I’m sorry, Gavin. I had no idea.”
“Few people knew that she was more than my employee. It was how she wanted things.”
“I cannot imagine losing someone you love so brutally.” As she said the words, she realized they weren’t true. She’d been imagining her uncle’s brutal murder earlier in the day. And what she’d seen hadn’t been pretty.
Chapter Ten
Gavinlookedovertheresearch Pierce sent him before stepping out on the porch of the lodge. Breathing in the cool fresh air, he stared out over the pastures before turning his gaze to the sky. Stars stretched as far as the eye could see.
Samantha had shown him a grace he didn’t deserve. He never should’ve flirted with her when he’d been there to protect Emily, but he thought it was harmless. Clearly, it hadn’t been. He’d not only hurt her, he’d hurt Sandra. Maybe if he’d shown more restraint, she wouldn’t have been distracted when confronted with a serial killer. He would never know how much his own actions had contributed to her death, but internalizing his guilt wasn’t healthy.
God’s grace was there for the taking, same as always, so if he continued to beat himself up, it was on him. All he needed to do was surrender the past and let it go. He shook his head, so much easier said than done.
His cell rang pulling him out of his reverie. “What’s up, Gray?”
“I hear you’re keeping our best investigator inundated with work. How can that be when you’re supposed to be on vacation?”
“It’s connected to Cate.”
“Say no more. You have my full support, but once you finish digging, you need to take some actual time off. It isn’t healthy to work year round without a break.”
“I haven’t had a real break in years. Neither have you for that matter.”
“Not true. When I take those trips with Dad, I always schedule a few days before and after so Jenna and I can have some downtime.”
“If I ever have a wife who needs my attention, I’ll be sure to take time off, but until then, my focus will remain on the job.”
“Tell me what you have.”
“A symbol.”
